Singapore’s best malls

With plenty of high-end designer brands to choose from, the island city is definitely a place to shop till you drop

Shopping is Singapore’s unofficial national sport. The city has some of the best luxury malls in Southeast Asia. Not to mention, Singapore being Singapore—there are infinite places to eat, drink and let loose after a day of hectic shopping. If you are looking for great bargains visit the city during the Great Singapore Sale, annually held at the end of May.

Ion Orchard The most recent addition to Orchard Street Singapore is ION Orchard, a stunning urban structure with a unique futuristic architectural style. Once you move past the larger-than-life frontage of the mall that includes top luxury designer brands such as Cartier, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Georgio Armani amongst others, you enter eight stories of a carefully laid out retail haven, four floors high and four floors into the basement. Housing over 300 luxury and high-street fashion brands, life-style and entertainment stores, browsers can also enjoy the ION Art Gallery as well as choose from a variety of international cuisine (almost eighty food stalls). Don’t forget to speak to the concierge for tourist privileges and American Express discounts.Ion Mall, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore (+65 62388228; www.ionorchard.com)

VivoCity Situated across Sentosa Island, the mega mall VivoCity holds the position of Singapore’s largest mall. The development enjoys a harbour front location allowing shoppers to roam the wide open spaces on the water front while exploring a plethora of shops, entertainment and dining options to choose from. Visitors can shop at luxury and mid-range fashion brands, while also choosing to visit the Golden Village Cineplex – again Singapore’s largest. The experience can extend on into the night as diners enjoy high-end restaurants as well as casual bars and lounges on the waterfront.VivoCity, 1 Harbour Front Walk, 02-241 VivoCity, Singapore (+65 6377 6860; http://www.vivocity.com.sg/)

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands For high-end customers, the Marina Bay Sands hotel is a must-go, and with the introduction of the Shoppes, one is guaranteed a premier luxury retail experience. The contemporary design of the structure includes a canal running right through the centre of the mall where visitors can take boat rides. Housing luxury jewellery houses, accessories, fashion and boutique designer labels, the Shoppes are aimed at the discerning shopper. Dining options range from restaurants run by renowned chefs such as Guy Savoy, Wolfgang Puck and Hide Yamamoto to over 20 casual dining joints. For a truly local flavour visit Rasapura Masters, located near the indoor skating rink, a large line-up of regional food stalls operated by some of Singapore’s best local chefs.The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore (+65 6688 8868; www.marinabaysands.com/Shoppes)

Paragon A sophisticated structure located at the centre of Orchard Road, this six level up-scale shopping centre is one of Singapore’s most prominent malls. The facade includes top international designers such as Miu Miu, Tods, Prada and the flagship Gucci store. The top floor is home to a variety of children’s clothes, toys and entertainment stores including Toys ‘R’ Us. The mall also houses a variety of hair salons and spas such as Kelture Aveda and Vive Salon. Shoppers can also choose formal dining options such as Crystal Jade Palace for some excellent dim sum, or more casual eateries at the The Food Celler located in the basement. Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore (+65 6738 5535; www.paragon.com.sg)

Takashimaya Shopping Centre Known to some as Singapore’s best one-stop shopping centre, Takashimaya is located in Ngee Ann City at the heart of Orchard Road. Comprising of the usual designer labels and high-street fashion, a large food hall in the basement carries excellent sweet and desert shops, and is famous for the Japanese snacks and cuisine. A unique touch to the retail atmosphere is a fitness centre that is home to Singapore’s largest swimming pool.Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore, (+65 6738 1111; www.takashimaya-sin.com)